tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50581658316060338602018-01-09T12:29:24.154-06:00The Life And Times of Louis And AmberThe O'Tool Family JournalLouis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-57560139244237661132016-07-13T10:47:00.000-05:002016-07-13T10:47:11.522-05:00One "Unique" DudeMohau is a very funny person - sometimes intentionally, sometimes not so much. &nbsp;One day, though, his self-awareness and then lack of such was both shocking and hilarious. <br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcFiJJypP_M/V4ZgQrwKHCI/AAAAAAAACa4/pNHYEDW9t0YQvQUYc4d7K-oKqV5r5pMsgCLcB/s1600/13227621_1133400360037578_8789700067014660423_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcFiJJypP_M/V4ZgQrwKHCI/AAAAAAAACa4/pNHYEDW9t0YQvQUYc4d7K-oKqV5r5pMsgCLcB/s320/13227621_1133400360037578_8789700067014660423_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>We had two young ladies from the U.K., Meg and Florrie, ministering with us for a few months. &nbsp;Mohau developed quite an "affection" for Meg. &nbsp;And by affection I mean a pretty big crush. &nbsp;One day he tells me that he had asked Meg on a date and she had accepted. &nbsp;Surprised, I mentioned it to Meg the next time I saw her. &nbsp;She also seemed surprised. &nbsp;Turns out, when a group of the young people were hanging out at one of the youth member's house, Mohau had mentioned to her that "this is fun" and "we should do this more often." &nbsp;Apparently, this was an invitation to a date. &nbsp;So when Meg agreed that it was fun and they should do it more often, this was also an acceptance of the invitation. &nbsp; &nbsp;The next night after youth group Meg pulled Mohau to the side to have one of those "Clarify the Relationship" discussions.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHKk8gsH-Go/V4Zg-tcwMjI/AAAAAAAACbE/cY_fB3X0WJEliNsX8QJeMP4CGrj1fjMKACLcB/s1600/13239032_1133400886704192_4508550521629140888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHKk8gsH-Go/V4Zg-tcwMjI/AAAAAAAACbE/cY_fB3X0WJEliNsX8QJeMP4CGrj1fjMKACLcB/s320/13239032_1133400886704192_4508550521629140888_n.jpg" width="180" /></a>Every Thursday is <b style="font-style: italic;">Hospitality Night </b>at the O'Tool's house, which is a chance for some less formal discipleship and fun together. &nbsp;During dinner discussion a girl who was attending one of our Bible studies at a local high school came up. <br /><br />Mohau looks up from his plate and says to me "You know I have a history with her, right?" <br />Knowing Mohau's tendency to quickly develop fondness for members of the opposite gender (Note: There are only two genders), I respond to his question with a question of my own. <br />"Mohau, who haven't you had a history with?" I said.<br />Without missing a beat, Mohau looks directly at Meg, and completely deadpan, in front of everyone, says "Well, Meg apparently!"<br /><br />Now, Meg is from the U.K. &nbsp;If you know anything about England, you're probably aware that they only get like 12 days of sunlight per year. &nbsp;So most people from the U.K. are pasty-white. &nbsp;But in this case, she wasn't pasty-white. &nbsp;She turned a bright shade of red...purple almost. &nbsp;His timing was absolutely perfect!<br /><br />Later that night he carried on with his comedy routine, only this time unintentionally. &nbsp;Mohau chose to ride with me as we made the rounds to drop our guests off. &nbsp;Ostensibly it was for added security. &nbsp;But again, Mohau's general sentiments about young ladies in general, and Meg in particular, probably prompted this particular display of paternal protective instinct. &nbsp;Anyway, as we're driving Mohau mentions that he's working to maintain his single status so as to not interfere with his grades in this, his final year of high school. <br /><br />Mohau has a fantastic vocabulary. &nbsp;I'm talking, wrinkle-your-forehead and make-you-think dimensions. &nbsp;The thing is, as he tries to find the most perfect, obscure word to fit his context, he sometimes uses a word at the very outer edge of its semantic range. &nbsp;Which never ceases to crack me up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ZycqJbIVw/V4ZhSEHdC3I/AAAAAAAACbI/vt9Y04_Yp8kEeMTuaBjL-fZcD_buuO7iACLcB/s1600/13241213_1076869942359210_9104224982890488760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ZycqJbIVw/V4ZhSEHdC3I/AAAAAAAACbI/vt9Y04_Yp8kEeMTuaBjL-fZcD_buuO7iACLcB/s320/13241213_1076869942359210_9104224982890488760_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Well, in his efforts to properly describe how he's trying to maintain singleness, he says "I'm working very hard to make a <i>eunuch</i> of myself." &nbsp;The immediate mental picture of which nearly made me snort and swerve the car off the road. &nbsp;See, in his love for language and reading of Scripture he came across the word <i>eunuch</i>&nbsp;in Matthew 19:12. &nbsp;And that verse uses the term <i>eunuch </i>in a way that is outside the normal understanding of the word. &nbsp;But not knowing the normal understanding he arrived at a correct conclusion in regards to application. &nbsp;But the semantic imagery his particular choice of words evoked caused me to chuckle quite heartily. &nbsp;Which then made everyone wonder what was so humorous about his choice of words. &nbsp;Turns out, <i>eunuch</i>&nbsp;is not a word that most millennials are familiar with. &nbsp;So none of these young people knew what it meant. &nbsp;Which put me in the awkward position of both explaining the origins and meaning of the word, and then waiting as everyone put two-and-two together...the meaning of the word with Mohau's statement about "working hard to make a <i>eunuch</i>&nbsp;of himself."<br /><br />Oh, the joys of working with young people!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-50739777938734070792016-06-08T10:09:00.000-05:002016-06-08T10:09:37.726-05:00Thotagauta Bible StudyA bit over a year ago Mrs. Hanti Badenhorst asked Jim and me to take over her Bible Study at Thotagauta Secondary School. &nbsp;She was moving closer to her children in the Cape and wouldn't be able to continue. &nbsp;There have been a few ups and downs, mainly spiritual opposition from a woman who was supposed to be helping with the Bible Study. &nbsp;But God has opened some doors and we've been blessed to continue to minister there.<br /><br />Due to some of the spiritual manipulation that has gone on, we've lost several senior-level girls and boys. &nbsp;But a faithful core of young guys has developed. &nbsp;Jim has mainly taken the lead for this discipleship opportunity, but with his 6 week trip to the States I had the privilege to step into that role. &nbsp;The boys decided they wanted to study Revelation. &nbsp;So we've been working on that for the past several weeks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gklrZVyqMAI/V1gxz72CLhI/AAAAAAAACak/auULUygDiVY-JXd1WqXeoqW9Gojb39rggCLcB/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gklrZVyqMAI/V1gxz72CLhI/AAAAAAAACak/auULUygDiVY-JXd1WqXeoqW9Gojb39rggCLcB/s400/IMG_2337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />In the past our study has always taken place over their lunch break. &nbsp;The government has only paid about 10% of the operation expenses that this school requires since August of last year. &nbsp;That presents lots of challenges. &nbsp;Most of the students don't have access to textbooks and the lack of funds has taken a toll on necessary maintenance. &nbsp;But one of the biggest issues is that most of the boys that we work with come from homes that can't or aren't affording a lunch for them. &nbsp;In most cases school kids here wake up between 4:30-5:00am. &nbsp;They may or may not get a breakfast. &nbsp;And with the lapse in funding, the school's lunch program closed. &nbsp;Needless to say, studying is a challenge.<br /><br />The good news is, we had more time with the boys since they weren't stuck waiting in line for some rice, porridge or beans. &nbsp;But obviously the rice, porridge and beans aren't just a meal, they're essential. &nbsp;So some fruit, nuts, biscuits and whatnot go a long way. &nbsp;In fact, now that JT, DJ and the other guys are grown, they've shared how much the biscuits we brought to Bible study meant to them. &nbsp;So the last several weeks something that so many take for granted, like a simple lunch for school kids, has become part of our Bible studies.<br /><br />The good news is that there was reportedly a sizeable payout to the school recently so the lunch program may be restarting. &nbsp;In the meantime, we're in exam season. &nbsp;That means the normal school schedule is scrapped in favour of the various exams. &nbsp;It also means that we have more time with the boys. &nbsp;Which is good, because it's tough to cover anything meaningful in a 35 minute lunch break.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafP-tJU8BQ/V1gxxj57UEI/AAAAAAAACac/qnq1SCkHtq4j3hi4CXnWTsJKjI5JPro0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafP-tJU8BQ/V1gxxj57UEI/AAAAAAAACac/qnq1SCkHtq4j3hi4CXnWTsJKjI5JPro0gCLcB/s400/IMG_2454.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necessity is the mother of invention.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mohau, the young man that currently lives with us, is a connection from this Bible study. &nbsp;He has taken a lot of leadership with the younger guys regarding communication and coordination. &nbsp;It's enjoyable to see his example and affection for these boys. &nbsp;And as he grows hopefully he'll continue to be a good example for them to follow.<br /><br />Please pray for this Bible study, for Mohau, Dichabe, Thato, Matela and the rest of the guys.<div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-90529306726866424212016-05-24T08:54:00.000-05:002016-05-24T08:54:29.897-05:00Taken: Star WarsSo one day I walk into the church office and Pastor Josh shows off his new purchase - the just released Star Wars: The Force Awakens DVD. &nbsp;When I return home I tell my kids about Josh's new prize possession. &nbsp;To which Meredith responds "We should kidnap it!" &nbsp;That's my girl.<br /><br />Of course, the first thing to do is make a ransom demand. &nbsp;But I had to train them on how to properly make a ransom note to avoid detection. &nbsp;Frank &amp; Joe Hardy taught me everything I ever needed to know.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvgrJjlCJFo/V0RYzL1tQvI/AAAAAAAACZo/IZWTumpPa5ATcoGNmyi5Zq2TmZDEpmVfwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B3.32.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvgrJjlCJFo/V0RYzL1tQvI/AAAAAAAACZo/IZWTumpPa5ATcoGNmyi5Zq2TmZDEpmVfwCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B3.32.17%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />They spent Saturday evening making the note, but when they arrived at church early on Sunday morning to find the DVD in Pastor Josh's office it's nowhere to be found. &nbsp;He had taken it home the day before for safekeeping so that it would be available to watch on Monday, his day off.<br /><br />But my hooligans were not to be so easily deterred. &nbsp;And of course, they found a willing accomplice within the Bolaji family. &nbsp;Exchanging the note with "E" Bolaji (names changed to protect the not-so-innocent), they captured Josh's The Force Awakens DVD in mint condition.<br /><br />Disney's decision to release the DVD before International Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) is suspect, but it lent itself to a perfect deadline. &nbsp;Alas, only to find out that Pastor Josh wanted to play hardball. &nbsp;Channeling his inner Harrison Ford, he chose not to negotiate with my little terrorists. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoqOhqDXtV8/V0RYQPIt0NI/AAAAAAAACZY/TDc2OVwu5TwWtMJu8cfkfoJTTelQ16x4QCLcB/s1600/13139290_10209334419736946_503493984093140258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoqOhqDXtV8/V0RYQPIt0NI/AAAAAAAACZY/TDc2OVwu5TwWtMJu8cfkfoJTTelQ16x4QCLcB/s400/13139290_10209334419736946_503493984093140258_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The only acknowledgement was this much-commented on Facebook post...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUH7P0cP4zk/V0RYZjGtz2I/AAAAAAAACZg/qeIYjAVtaRcUTtKmN1cPgRWzhLPbjqXEwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B2.52.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUH7P0cP4zk/V0RYZjGtz2I/AAAAAAAACZg/qeIYjAVtaRcUTtKmN1cPgRWzhLPbjqXEwCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B2.52.38%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Hs37N4lTI/V0Rb0E0iK1I/AAAAAAAACaM/Bv1ZWzlZyiYCBoqRRl5jo-u4sjJXczjtQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B2.54.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Hs37N4lTI/V0Rb0E0iK1I/AAAAAAAACaM/Bv1ZWzlZyiYCBoqRRl5jo-u4sjJXczjtQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B2.54.45%2BPM.png" width="449" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The silent treatment is ineffective with children, however. &nbsp;His decision to ignore their ransom demands only led to an escalation. &nbsp;The O'Tool children needed to send a message that they are not to be trifled with. &nbsp;So, in the spirit of a famous mafia family, it was painfully apparent that Pastor Josh needed to learn a lesson. &nbsp;And how else to intimidate an insubordinate subordinate than to leave the head of some creature dear to said subordinate in said subordinate's bed?<br /><br />Not wanting to decapitate an Ewok, and knowing that Wookie heads are notoriously difficult to obtain, the only alternative was the noggin of some droid. &nbsp;And when Amber noticed that one of our old speaker covers was exactly the size and shape of BB8's head, the way forward was clear. &nbsp;An hour of work yielded a spot-on rendition of the cranium of Artoo's heir apparent.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liicmPk00SE/V0Ra0r6_60I/AAAAAAAACaE/5gk1KNIRkMAbu_O68wwPWsxEddKrwa7mACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B3.43.22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liicmPk00SE/V0Ra0r6_60I/AAAAAAAACaE/5gk1KNIRkMAbu_O68wwPWsxEddKrwa7mACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-24%2Bat%2B3.43.22%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>From there it was nothing to get hands on the Bolaji house keys and place the menacing ultimatum upon Josh's billet. <br /><br />The message came through loud and clear, as the ransom was paid promptly the following afternoon.<br /><br />The lesson, as always, is the lure of the dark side is strong...especially when Cadbury is involved!<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-12434443314039322122016-05-05T04:12:00.000-05:002016-05-05T04:12:44.621-05:00Palm TreesGrowing up in west-central Iowa, palm trees were something you saw on TV. &nbsp;They represented exotic beaches, desert islands and pirate adventures. &nbsp;But now, living in the high plains of central South Africa, I've come to realise that palm trees don't necessarily represent such exciting things. &nbsp;If you've ever been to Welkom you understand.<div><br /></div><div>We bought a house 2 years ago and in our yard are two huge palm trees. &nbsp;Guess what? &nbsp;They're a pain! &nbsp;They can house all kinds of vermin. &nbsp;These don't bear coconuts, just these little coffee-bean looking things that litter the yard and sprout mini-palm trees everywhere. &nbsp;They drop their fronds at the most inopportune times, so that you better have your head on a swivel if you're anywhere nearby.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cURh5OCA0n4/Vyr7BWy9R0I/AAAAAAAACYg/ptG0OwmKVb8zLXWoMhdaC93oQppWTfWlQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cURh5OCA0n4/Vyr7BWy9R0I/AAAAAAAACYg/ptG0OwmKVb8zLXWoMhdaC93oQppWTfWlQCLcB/s320/IMG_2356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpcTqyDfMMo/Vyr71cY8ARI/AAAAAAAACY0/OrRC_bboD_kIqh88t7q_VFfRcnUWl894ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpcTqyDfMMo/Vyr71cY8ARI/AAAAAAAACY0/OrRC_bboD_kIqh88t7q_VFfRcnUWl894ACLcB/s320/IMG_2359.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3duWqSV4914/Vyr7b_xkEDI/AAAAAAAACYs/ebvu3F2X9fkb5QbwFLry59Ti4tibplxKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3duWqSV4914/Vyr7b_xkEDI/AAAAAAAACYs/ebvu3F2X9fkb5QbwFLry59Ti4tibplxKgCLcB/s320/IMG_2358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But they still look pretty cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple months ago a work crew came to Welkom leaving little flyers at everyone's house that they are buying mature palm trees. &nbsp;These trees are in great demand at new housing developments, golf courses, and especially in China. &nbsp;Apparently, a large palm tree is a status symbol in China. &nbsp;So many of these trees are packaged up and shipped east so that a wealthy Chinese family can have a home for vermin and get conked in the head when they walk too close. &nbsp;Very posh, indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we were so excited about the possibility of getting paid for someone to take out our nuisance trees that we had one of the reps come by for an inspection. &nbsp;They pay R3,000 per tree, or about $250. &nbsp;We were looking forward to a nice $500 bonus (<i>considering we probably would be willing to pay that much for someone to take&nbsp;these infernal things!).</i>&nbsp; But alas, 6.2 meters is the limit they can take, and our trees are 7.2 meters tall.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, our church had 3 palm trees that fell within the specified range, so we were able to make a cool R9,000 and rid ourselves of some high maintenance garden foliage. &nbsp;And that is a huge blessing too, because that increases our church bank account by about 30% <i>(yes, our entire church bank account is less than $3,000)</i> &nbsp;I found the process interesting and thought maybe some other Mid-American hicks might too. &nbsp;Enjoy!</div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcc0ytoUOAA/Vyr40f9oVcI/AAAAAAAACYA/hxnTSN4IWn4seNw-jAaX1nxRGqrVbJYlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcc0ytoUOAA/Vyr40f9oVcI/AAAAAAAACYA/hxnTSN4IWn4seNw-jAaX1nxRGqrVbJYlwCLcB/s400/IMG_2345.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, they trim them up all nice and pretty</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHoTom4FbdQ/Vyr5ku0ho4I/AAAAAAAACYM/bY3XzjsCjTIrOB2g21O7n6NtZQLxYvesACLcB/s1600/IMG_2346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHoTom4FbdQ/Vyr5ku0ho4I/AAAAAAAACYM/bY3XzjsCjTIrOB2g21O7n6NtZQLxYvesACLcB/s400/IMG_2346.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then they dig a trench all the way around</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrU5MeC6zmk/Vyr60IZD9NI/AAAAAAAACYc/YP5zY3P-goMJR-WYXcGwFTE6FbVoZ0-fQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrU5MeC6zmk/Vyr60IZD9NI/AAAAAAAACYc/YP5zY3P-goMJR-WYXcGwFTE6FbVoZ0-fQCLcB/s400/IMG_2347.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the root system. &nbsp;Nothing bigger than a pencil. <br />That piece you see still attached is just dirt for support <br />in case of strong wind.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QHEgPTqpr0/Vyr5EbsJriI/AAAAAAAACYE/JtwHyeSSOk4ImV9_XERtIVOa1NRXhMvGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QHEgPTqpr0/Vyr5EbsJriI/AAAAAAAACYE/JtwHyeSSOk4ImV9_XERtIVOa1NRXhMvGQCLcB/s400/IMG_2344.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A truck with a crane lifts it out. &nbsp;They tie up the fronds and <br />drop it on a flatbed for transport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-63596623185227937412016-04-19T04:30:00.000-05:002016-04-19T04:30:28.325-05:00Church Names<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wKP4Y6N1ps/VxXwAyajXNI/AAAAAAAACXs/O2J05RTNLRclZXOVHLrphxIE2MZocMwngCLcB/s1600/IMG_2314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wKP4Y6N1ps/VxXwAyajXNI/AAAAAAAACXs/O2J05RTNLRclZXOVHLrphxIE2MZocMwngCLcB/s400/IMG_2314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I passed, or rather, was passed by this church van today. &nbsp;I'd hate to be the church secretary, typing that name out. &nbsp;You'd have carpel tunnel before you even finished. &nbsp;Seems like maybe an abbreviation is in order...</div><br />If you're having trouble making it out on my grainy photo, the name is "No. 1 Holy Apostolic In Zion Of Jerusalem Church South Africa"! &nbsp;Say that 5 times fast. &nbsp;But they're taking after the Baptists though, getting that numeral in the name. &nbsp;Good thing too, because if that second church comes along and wants to steal your name at least everyone knows who was first.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YU0lhjLVA38/VxXwIwaLyeI/AAAAAAAACXw/9w0iIhSxEA0wUz0vYI47MiIjKfYjIfNqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2314%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YU0lhjLVA38/VxXwIwaLyeI/AAAAAAAACXw/9w0iIhSxEA0wUz0vYI47MiIjKfYjIfNqQCLcB/s400/IMG_2314%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On a serious note, though, please pray for us as we have ongoing opportunities to preach the gospel and proclaim truth. &nbsp;While there are many false teachers among the "christian" churches of South Africa, there are also many who have never been exposed to true, orthodox theology. &nbsp;As Pastor Joshua says, we often think they've been given the truth and rejected it, when in many cases, this is the only "christianity" they've ever known. &nbsp;Pray for an awakening!<br /><br />Please pray for us specifically with three opportunities the Lord has granted us:<br />1) &nbsp;Mukhanyo Theological College - I am leading the Welkom Group, which is made up of 7 full-time students and 2 part-timers. &nbsp;Of those 7, three are pastors or elders at their own churches (not counting Pastor Joshua). &nbsp;This gives us an opportunity to train men who are already in positions to teach truth to their congregations!<br />2) &nbsp;African Pastor's Conference - We host this every year and this year Pastor Joshua has had the opportunity to be the speaker at 3 conferences in Zambia and Botswana. &nbsp;In an effort to provide ongoing training we host quarterly meetings with the pastors who attend the local conference. &nbsp;Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled in May. &nbsp;Pray for humility and openness as the Word is studied.<br />3) &nbsp;Unashamed Camp and Youth events - You know about our December camp. &nbsp;We are in the planning stages of that already. &nbsp;But we also hold quarterly youth rallies to hopefully build a thirst for Jesus among our young people. &nbsp;This year we're focusing on teaching young people how to study the Bible for themselves in order to discern truth from error. &nbsp;Our next event is June 4th.<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-44431332864206620532016-04-12T10:29:00.000-05:002016-04-12T10:29:00.948-05:00Sweeping Generalisations of an Entire Continent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZTx_D0zfwY/Vw0UH53xExI/AAAAAAAACXQ/k81ERdk1VGgzcDO1MvSKFHQnE7CLPgwwACLcB/s1600/12341409_743607872449549_2288337324041613489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZTx_D0zfwY/Vw0UH53xExI/AAAAAAAACXQ/k81ERdk1VGgzcDO1MvSKFHQnE7CLPgwwACLcB/s400/12341409_743607872449549_2288337324041613489_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-88297531038594671442016-04-08T09:22:00.000-05:002016-04-08T09:22:05.030-05:00Baptism Pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ktr5YX6M3g/Vwe6h-VrX4I/AAAAAAAACW0/Zm_0fGpA7dEXcoH2wdPnKoS-vK5wwwKxA/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ktr5YX6M3g/Vwe6h-VrX4I/AAAAAAAACW0/Zm_0fGpA7dEXcoH2wdPnKoS-vK5wwwKxA/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The candidates</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye8tSt03478/Vwe5MJfGrvI/AAAAAAAACWQ/QNq6uzq0-6wxRkEd45ahITJlqF14_yOcQ/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye8tSt03478/Vwe5MJfGrvI/AAAAAAAACWQ/QNq6uzq0-6wxRkEd45ahITJlqF14_yOcQ/s320/DSC_0043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLpKPGEV0Mo/Vwe8PROrcCI/AAAAAAAACXE/EYexgnWKHIsYI8XDmK-AQ3aGIcXe3wLxw/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLpKPGEV0Mo/Vwe8PROrcCI/AAAAAAAACXE/EYexgnWKHIsYI8XDmK-AQ3aGIcXe3wLxw/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modiehi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJkr5suf8y4/Vwe6gRFhDGI/AAAAAAAACWw/zutzmB3dllUicDa81iGBA0LQLt9RLVF-Q/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJkr5suf8y4/Vwe6gRFhDGI/AAAAAAAACWw/zutzmB3dllUicDa81iGBA0LQLt9RLVF-Q/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itHrSbgsEok/Vwe5QWeWp0I/AAAAAAAACWU/5YeQybpU9XQTIM11RX9vI1JLYXdqU4yhg/s1600/DSC_0052.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itHrSbgsEok/Vwe5QWeWp0I/AAAAAAAACWU/5YeQybpU9XQTIM11RX9vI1JLYXdqU4yhg/s320/DSC_0052.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tayla</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZiGf-BY06k/Vwe5TlV-N7I/AAAAAAAACWY/mXN5oJaGyuIs5s2QaO1mg0TA-uwVL4DmA/s1600/DSC_0053.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZiGf-BY06k/Vwe5TlV-N7I/AAAAAAAACWY/mXN5oJaGyuIs5s2QaO1mg0TA-uwVL4DmA/s320/DSC_0053.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tayla</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9oAGMo67SQ/Vwe5WIuaMxI/AAAAAAAACWc/jsa0IDywD6AWdK4ZGHYMBNy9E_I9q1eUw/s1600/DSC_0054.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9oAGMo67SQ/Vwe5WIuaMxI/AAAAAAAACWc/jsa0IDywD6AWdK4ZGHYMBNy9E_I9q1eUw/s320/DSC_0054.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kamohelo</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_i7-dIU4M/Vwe5Zks1WSI/AAAAAAAACWg/VEH3e2own1wbpydC3MSHyxl7rIDtidpRw/s1600/DSC_0057.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_i7-dIU4M/Vwe5Zks1WSI/AAAAAAAACWg/VEH3e2own1wbpydC3MSHyxl7rIDtidpRw/s320/DSC_0057.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tolu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3tjo08gd5o/Vwe5c8USX1I/AAAAAAAACWk/wK66J5hRNDQNklzxWtTzkbydYcwIAo7_Q/s1600/DSC_0059.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3tjo08gd5o/Vwe5c8USX1I/AAAAAAAACWk/wK66J5hRNDQNklzxWtTzkbydYcwIAo7_Q/s320/DSC_0059.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tolu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-72546783945602859682016-04-08T08:53:00.000-05:002016-04-08T08:53:49.025-05:00Mohau Lebajoa<br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9w5oqJtHF0/Vwe1AaDFLOI/AAAAAAAACVw/GEYrIyB5JzwDx3z54zNQQfhpbcjxYQO9g/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9w5oqJtHF0/Vwe1AaDFLOI/AAAAAAAACVw/GEYrIyB5JzwDx3z54zNQQfhpbcjxYQO9g/s320/IMG_0937.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mohau is on my left</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mohau Lebajoa is a young man that we’ve known for about a year now. &nbsp;We met him through a Bible study that we have been doing at Thotagauta Secondary School. &nbsp;He is completing his 12th grade year. &nbsp;“Matric” is considered a very important time for South African students, as it largely determines their future opportunities.</span><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mohau and his older sister have been living alone for the last several years, as both parents passed away due to cancer. &nbsp;The home situation was not a good environment for a young man to focus on his academics or his relationship with the Lord. &nbsp;At the end of last year Mohau’s school results showed many “opportunities for improvement” and he began looking for another place to live. &nbsp;About the same time God opened up an place in the flat we’ve renovated for just such circumstances.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTdGGuy327A/Vwe3p8EM0sI/AAAAAAAACWE/hf4fHUxW_v0YwFbSzu33kki9N78lFMP9w/s1600/DSC_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTdGGuy327A/Vwe3p8EM0sI/AAAAAAAACWE/hf4fHUxW_v0YwFbSzu33kki9N78lFMP9w/s320/DSC_0624.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also at the same time, Tolu approached us about living in our flat as well. &nbsp;He is one of the young men that has grown into leadership in the ministry here. &nbsp;He’s studying electrical engineering, with hopes of one day transferring to Iowa State University. &nbsp;With his godly character, strong study habits and self-discipline, we thought he might be an excellent mentor for Mohau. &nbsp;When we renovated the garage into a flat it was specifically for young people in Mohau’s situation, not so much for those in Tolu’s situation. &nbsp;But the more we spoke with Tolu the more excited we became to work alongside him in Mohau’s discipleship. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mohau has been staying with us for about 3 weeks now. &nbsp;He moved in with a backpack and two grocery bags. &nbsp;That was the extent of his belongings, and the backpack was full of school materials. &nbsp;The first week he was with us we had a severe thunderstorm and he arrived home from school soaked to the bone. &nbsp;His school shoes, stitched together with pieces of wire, were sopping. &nbsp;Those were his only pair of shoes. &nbsp;So we had the privilege of taking him down to the shoe store to purchase a pair of shoes. &nbsp;Helping him through the selection process was pretty cool, as he weighed out the functionality, price, durability and attractiveness of the different options. &nbsp;Just the day before he had asked if I knew of any way to solve shoe-odor in his school shoes. &nbsp;He hadn’t said they were his only pair, or asked about new shoes. &nbsp;He just wanted to know how to get rid of the smell. &nbsp;Of course, a little baking soda will do the trick. &nbsp;But the bigger issue is he also only had one pair of socks to go with those shoes. &nbsp;So it’s no wonder they started to get a little musty. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LteWj-ZLCsg/VwexZCqGmnI/AAAAAAAACVk/o85WIDJn_DYjwl40e4tUTa-R6SYqUVPJg/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LteWj-ZLCsg/VwexZCqGmnI/AAAAAAAACVk/o85WIDJn_DYjwl40e4tUTa-R6SYqUVPJg/s200/DSC_0005.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mohau Lebajoa</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before he came I asked him if he knew what he was getting into. &nbsp;For a guy who’s lived under his own authority for 5+ years, it’s going to be tough to come under the authority of someone else. &nbsp;He assured me he was ready. &nbsp;And I’ll say this, he’s definitely willing. &nbsp;But we’ve had a couple hiccups these first few days. &nbsp;From calling to notify us of school schedule changes, to getting permission to run to the store, there’s been a little bit of a learning curve for all of us. &nbsp;But with Tolu’s help and Mohau’s willingness, we’ve enjoyed the transition.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Continue to pray for Mohau, for his growth spiritually and intellectually.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-49859835277986879552016-02-11T06:38:00.000-06:002016-02-11T06:38:32.783-06:00A Girl Named QOver a year ago, our colleagues met a young woman and began reaching out to her. &nbsp;Her mom was a domestic worker across the road from the Heffners and "Q" was staying with her off and on. &nbsp;I say "her mom", but Q is actually orphaned and this woman is her foster mother. &nbsp;Without going into details, the foster system here is broken...very broken.<br /><br />Q is 17 years old and in 10th grade. &nbsp;About 9 months ago she left home to go live with a classmate. &nbsp;She wasn't getting along with her foster mom - the mom claims that she's a liar who can't be trusted. &nbsp;She claims that she wasn't being cared for properly. &nbsp;From her description, think Cinderella. &nbsp;There's probably some truth on both sides. &nbsp;But that's neither here nor there.<br /><br />She had lived with this classmate in a shack behind the house in Hani Park. &nbsp;We've written about Hani Park many times in the past. &nbsp;It's the roughest part of the township. &nbsp;In the last 8 years we've seen many improvements - electricity, sewer, proper houses built. &nbsp;But that was never the problem to begin with. &nbsp;The problem has always been that we're sinners. &nbsp;Last week Q came face to face with that problem.<br /><br />The classmate has an older brother - 26 years old. &nbsp;He lives at home and apparently isn't quite right in the head. &nbsp;This whole time he'd been telling people that Q is his girlfriend. &nbsp;She kept telling him she wasn't. &nbsp;She has another boyfriend. &nbsp;Both of them claim to be Rasta (same religion as Bob Marley). &nbsp;But the brother wasn't getting the message. &nbsp;A week ago he came home, began berating her, asking if she knew how much money she was costing the family and demanding that she become his girlfriend. &nbsp;He turned violent and began to beat her. &nbsp;She probably weighs 110 - very slender and athletic looking. &nbsp;He beat her into unconsciousness and only stopped because his mother returned and he turned his anger on her.<br /><br />Q called Uncle Jim on Tuesday this week. &nbsp;She didn't sound good. &nbsp;She wanted to see Jim and Kim. &nbsp;Jim said "Are you in ok?" <br />"No" was her reply.<br />"Are you hurt?" was his next question.<br />"Yes."<br />So Jim and Kim went straight to Hani Park to find her. &nbsp;They were horrified by what they saw. &nbsp;Bruises and swelling are still evident, although it's gone down somewhat. &nbsp;A tooth was broken and so painful she hadn't eaten in 5 days. &nbsp;She'd left that house and was living in a shack behind another house around the corner.<br /><br />Jim and Kim took her to a dentist, and it's a good thing they did! &nbsp;The dentist took one look and said "The jaw's broken." &nbsp;Sure enough, x-rays confirmed this to be the case. &nbsp;He said after 72 hours infection sets in and it had already been 5 days. &nbsp;But for some reason the infection wasn't there.<br /><br />That night Jim and Kim helped Q file a police report. &nbsp;After they took the details they loaded her in the police truck and headed out to Hani Park. &nbsp;They knocked on the door and he opened. &nbsp;They turn to her and say "Is this the guy?" &nbsp;With her positive ID, they ask him why he would do such a thing to a young girl. &nbsp;His answer? &nbsp;"She needed some discipline." &nbsp;With that admission they slapped on the cuffs and took him to jail.<br /><br />The next morning her jaw was wired shut, a procedure so painful Jim was nearly in tears to watch it. &nbsp;Q is one tough girl, though. &nbsp;Halfway through the procedure the dentist turned to Jim and told him there's no way this type of damage was done by a fist. &nbsp;The only way this type of injury could be inflicted was through stomping. &nbsp;Q couldn't remember, but then she was unconscious.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdblUxOzSTo/Vrx4MovRwvI/AAAAAAAACU8/WiWyQyD2RX8/s1600/IMG_2152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdblUxOzSTo/Vrx4MovRwvI/AAAAAAAACU8/WiWyQyD2RX8/s320/IMG_2152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jaw is wired shut in front and in the back on both sides.<br />She can't open her teeth at all, so she'll have to find a gap<br />big enough for a straw to fit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Her jaw will be wired shut for 3 months and she'll be on a liquid diet. &nbsp;Right now she's with the Heffners, but where she'll stay for the duration is still up in the air. &nbsp;Her desire is to go back and live alone in the shack. &nbsp;She says she's just never been able to stay somewhere for long without having problems so she just wants to be alone. &nbsp;Her only request is that we put a lock on the door. &nbsp;She asked this before we even found out about the broken jaw. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtZOJi6vnLQ/Vrx43OextsI/AAAAAAAACVE/dF3Nb-sXS_g/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtZOJi6vnLQ/Vrx43OextsI/AAAAAAAACVE/dF3Nb-sXS_g/s320/IMG_2147.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrSCa3S5s_0/Vrx5VaTTwMI/AAAAAAAACVQ/8OjqGR3TKBM/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrSCa3S5s_0/Vrx5VaTTwMI/AAAAAAAACVQ/8OjqGR3TKBM/s320/IMG_2150.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little nail was the only thing keeping the door shut. &nbsp;I could pull it out with my fingers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since her desire at the time was to stay in the shack, and since we can't keep someone against their will, we felt her request was reasonable. &nbsp;So Tolu and I went out and installed a lock right away. &nbsp;Last night Jim sent out an email to his prayer supporters detailing the situation. &nbsp;She was sitting next to the computer when one of the supporters sent a reply. &nbsp;When Jim came back in the room she was sitting there in tears. &nbsp;Jim asked what was wrong and she said "I'm sorry. &nbsp;I read your email." <br />Jim asked "Did I say anything wrong or anything that hurt you?" <br />"No," she said. &nbsp;"But why would anyone care?"<br /><br />Clearly there's a lot going on that we don't even know about. &nbsp;Why she wants to stay in the shack when we've offered to look into alternatives, what exactly has gone on between her and the foster mother, what's her relationship with her boyfriend, where does any money to survive come from? &nbsp;But have any of us walked a mile in her shoes? &nbsp;Orphaned, bounced from caregiver to caregiver, raised in a culture where various types of abuse are rampant and even acceptable!<br /><br />To borrow a thought from "When Helping Hurts" (one of the best books on gospel-centered poverty relief, by the way), we can never forget that people are broken themselves and are victims of broken human systems around them. <br /><br />We need wisdom. &nbsp;Lord God, do we need wisdom! &nbsp;Please pray that we will have grace, discernment and patience as we continue to minister to Q in this situation. &nbsp;Pray specifically for the Heffners as they take the point on this relationship! &nbsp;Pray that the gospel would break through to her hurting and blinded heart so that she could see the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUWdxc2mggo/Vrx4_0tpbZI/AAAAAAAACVI/buj0lXPf-jM/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUWdxc2mggo/Vrx4_0tpbZI/AAAAAAAACVI/buj0lXPf-jM/s320/IMG_2149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxWJQjBcGaog9F_cdlfhCYFNxdQiG9FlYVnUFzwNkFtnMYPRM0EfDecP9bu2mODFLeB4ouY_oO_YXCm9JhZxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-44246178999712811322016-01-12T06:48:00.000-06:002016-01-12T07:19:15.919-06:00Top Ten Things You Learn During an El Nino Induced Drought/Heatwave<b>10. &nbsp;There's no such thing as a cool shower.</b><br /><i>Our water pipes run either in the attic or along the outside walls of the house. &nbsp;By time it reaches the&nbsp;shower head the water has warmed up to a nice luke-warmy&nbsp;temperature.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9jXavsay18/VpT03MNzJTI/AAAAAAAACUY/xIxTVVra3DY/s1600/IMG_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9jXavsay18/VpT03MNzJTI/AAAAAAAACUY/xIxTVVra3DY/s1600/IMG_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9jXavsay18/VpT03MNzJTI/AAAAAAAACUY/xIxTVVra3DY/s320/IMG_0127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>9. &nbsp;It's nice to have friends with swimming pools.</b><br /><i>The Heffners and Mphapuli's have generously allowed us to come swim at their houses. &nbsp;We've got a little plastic pool in the back for the kiddos, but the water changes funny colors sometimes. &nbsp;So, a refreshing dip in a proper pool is great!</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FjsLndoztE/VpT0o9QR3SI/AAAAAAAACUM/hoCdUZfoC7o/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FjsLndoztE/VpT0o9QR3SI/AAAAAAAACUM/hoCdUZfoC7o/s320/IMG_0037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>8. &nbsp;You bathe the kids in buckets.</b><br /><i>Some places in South Africa already need to bring water in on trucks. &nbsp;Other&nbsp;places have been put on strict water rations. &nbsp;Our local government hasn't said a thing...not because we don't need the rations, but because a) They are short-sighted and inept &amp; b) Everyone would disregard them anyway. &nbsp;But in an effort to be&nbsp;environmentally, economically, socially and botanically responsible, we bathe Travis in a bucket and then use the water to keep our trees alive.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>7. &nbsp;The best way to stay cool is to soak your shirt in water.</b><br /><i>As it evaporates, especially if you're using a fan, it keeps you nice and cool. &nbsp;And if you're in bed, add wet socks to the&nbsp;equation and Bingo!, you're cool as a cucumber. &nbsp;Only remember to wait a minute before putting your newly wet shirt back on, so as to allow the water you soaked it with to cool off, as it comes out of the pipes almost as steam.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>6. &nbsp;40 degrees Celsius is WAYYY hotter than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.</b><br /><i>40 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 104 Fahrenheit. &nbsp;That's hot! &nbsp;I don't care about the proverbial "dry heat!" &nbsp;A family in our church are partners in a heating/cooling business. &nbsp;Last week his instruments measured that it felt like 50 degrees Celsius in the sun, 43 in the shade. &nbsp;That's 122 &amp; 110 Fahrenheit, respectively. &nbsp;Ouch!</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jp9gTkb_jg/VpT022hFIGI/AAAAAAAACUU/K2UvpFW3Zuw/s1600/IMG_2042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jp9gTkb_jg/VpT022hFIGI/AAAAAAAACUU/K2UvpFW3Zuw/s320/IMG_2042.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>5. &nbsp;38 degrees Celsius <u>in the house</u>&nbsp;is hot!</b><br /><i>Hence, the wet socks. &nbsp;Our indoor high temp was 39 degrees.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>4. &nbsp;You look forward to the one day that week when the forecast calls for a high of only 97 degrees.</b><br /><i>This week's forecast? &nbsp;Highs in the upper 80's with chances of rain every day. &nbsp;Woo-Hoo!!! &nbsp;We'll keep praying this happens. &nbsp;Yesterday was our first rain in a lonngggg time. &nbsp;We got 1.5 inches according to the reports. &nbsp;What a blessing that the dust is now mud!</i><br /><br /><b>3. &nbsp;When the temperature drops to 86 degrees, the kids wrap up in blankets during family devotions.</b><br /><i>I always wondered how Africans can wear winter coats, caps and gloves when its in the 60's. &nbsp;I guess my kids are officially Africans now.</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>2. &nbsp;Eggs hard-boil themselves.</b><br /><i>It got so hot in the kitchen at camp that when we tried to use the left-over eggs we found out they had hard boiled. &nbsp;Or mostly so, anyway. &nbsp;So the dogs got a nice little mostly hard-boiled treat.</i><br /><br /><i>...[Drumroll]...</i><br /><br /><b>1. &nbsp;There is no cool side of the pillow.</b><br /><i>Do I really need to say&nbsp;anything about this? &nbsp;If Stuart Scott lived in South Africa during El Nino his one-liners wouldn't make any sense.</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knzD7bWv_0M/VpT0jjganSI/AAAAAAAACUE/c-FOFppsawM/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knzD7bWv_0M/VpT0jjganSI/AAAAAAAACUE/c-FOFppsawM/s400/IMG_0011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and as a fun little post-script, we accidentally learned how to brew alcoholic sun tea. &nbsp;Learned that the hard way. &nbsp;That foam on the top? &nbsp;That's because it's bubbling all on it's own. &nbsp;So this jug is going down the drain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdSx_1t-RdQ/VpT9LaZDlaI/AAAAAAAACUs/ufqYP3uL2ps/s1600/IMG_2054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdSx_1t-RdQ/VpT9LaZDlaI/AAAAAAAACUs/ufqYP3uL2ps/s320/IMG_2054.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-62153343754418786422016-01-04T12:59:00.001-06:002016-01-04T12:59:56.636-06:00Camp CounselingThis year at Unashamed we had several opportunities to share the Gospel. &nbsp;Of course, all the teaching times have a gospel-centered focus. &nbsp;But I'm talking about one-on-one opportunities, or in the case in question, 3 on 2 opportunities. <br /><br />Many people have asked "How many decisions did you have?" &nbsp;Well, for a whole lot of reasons, we don't know.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YI1rjsqNBjI/Voq9o3TzRgI/AAAAAAAACTs/9dIMpkM8TPU/s1600/IMG_1971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YI1rjsqNBjI/Voq9o3TzRgI/AAAAAAAACTs/9dIMpkM8TPU/s320/IMG_1971.jpg" width="240" /></a>First, the Holy Spirit is the One who does the work of regeneration. &nbsp;There is no "sinner's prayer". &nbsp;There aren't any magic words to say that will give eternal life. &nbsp;John 6 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives life to whomever He wishes. &nbsp;I'm not saying we aren't held responsible for our response to God's call, but no one is born again because someone talks them into it. <br /><br />I can guarantee that if you give me an hour in the township, I can get 100+ kids to say the "sinner's prayer." &nbsp;But what makes me think those kids were truly regenerated?<br /><br />Second, this culture very much desires to please, especially someone viewed as an elder. &nbsp;In the States, if you were to invite someone to church, most likely you'd get some kind of excuse - "I already have a church"..."That's my day to sleep in"..."I have to wash my hair"...something along those lines. &nbsp;Here they don't want to disappoint you, so instead many people will just lie. &nbsp;Maybe they have good intentions, but ultimately they're not going to follow through, they just don't want to feel like they're letting you down. &nbsp;So they'll just agree to come. &nbsp;Which is somewhat ironic, because by making a commitment and then not following through, they're letting you down and giving you an excuse to be disappointed in them. &nbsp;But I digress.<br /><br />The upshot is, we are called to make disciples. &nbsp;Followers of Jesus. &nbsp;And when you observe the ministry of Jesus through the gospels, this process is relational. &nbsp;Messy. &nbsp;Tedious. &nbsp;Long. &nbsp;And above all, relational.<br /><br />Therefore, much of our structure is aimed at developing the types of relationships rich in the gospel.<br /><br />And one of the most encouraging things about camp this year was the relationships we've been able to develop.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo3VXtsVXvo/Voq9_GLnV-I/AAAAAAAACT0/3kKrxlIDHLc/s1600/12371111_1712537098981002_3120823640730635892_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo3VXtsVXvo/Voq9_GLnV-I/AAAAAAAACT0/3kKrxlIDHLc/s320/12371111_1712537098981002_3120823640730635892_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>The theme of Unashamed 2015 was Rise Up! &nbsp;Based out of John 11, we studied the story of Lazarus from several different perspectives. &nbsp;Ultimately, we see the story is less about us and more about Him. &nbsp;I had the privilege of teaching two more informal study group sessions based on the lives of Joseph and Daniel - two young people who were raised up by God to lead...and who through their faithful lives rose to the occasion.<br /><br />One of our staff girls, Honey, brought me three of her campers one afternoon. &nbsp;They had come to her after the teaching on Daniel and asked "Should we give our lives to Jesus now, or should we wait so we can have some fun first?" &nbsp;They wanted to talk to me and see what this whole "following Jesus" idea required.<br /><br />We spoke for probably an hour or so. &nbsp;It was a great conversation. &nbsp;You know how it is when you have a meaningful conversation with more than one person. &nbsp;You can usually tell who is with you and who isn't. &nbsp;One of the girls didn't seem to get the point at all. &nbsp;But the other two seemed very thoughtful and engaged in a sincere way. &nbsp;I don't know at this point how they ultimately will respond. But I know they heard the gospel as clearly as I can present it. &nbsp;And I know the Spirit is powerful in His work. <br /><br />Please pray for these three young ladies. &nbsp;Noma, Cynthia and for the life of me, I can't remember the third name. &nbsp;Two of them have stayed in touch. &nbsp;As this new school year starts we hope to have more opportunity to deepen these relationships. &nbsp;Pray for open doors and that we may boldly speak forth the truth which has the power to change lives!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvwF_bwQ1As/VoqRLxzMmcI/AAAAAAAACTc/LJk06bb5T6g/s1600/12378041_1712541122313933_6814990858060776898_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvwF_bwQ1As/VoqRLxzMmcI/AAAAAAAACTc/LJk06bb5T6g/s320/12378041_1712541122313933_6814990858060776898_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and a really cool post-script to the week of camp...the next week Tolu and I were doing some work and stopped by a local take-out place to grab some lunch. &nbsp;As we were waiting for our order I was standing in front of a rack of various and sundry sauces - what can I say, I'm a condiments guy - when all of a sudden, this girl walks up beside me and awkwardly sticks her head in between me and my sauce rack. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hey, Pastor Louie!" she says.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Hi." I responded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Uh-oh. &nbsp;I didn't&nbsp;recognise her at all.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I was at camp with you last week."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I replied, "Oh, yeah? &nbsp;How did you like it?"&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"It was really good" she said. &nbsp;"But you scared me."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Yikes! &nbsp;She must be referring to the last night when I caught one of the boys standing halfway up the staircase to the girls' room. &nbsp;I kind of got in his face a little bit. &nbsp;You know, just to remind him that's not acceptable. &nbsp;Ok, and I wanted to send a message to the other guys too. &nbsp;And according to our staffers that message came through loud and clear. &nbsp;That must be what she's talking about.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"What was it that scared you?" I said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She replied, "Well, you said that we'll all meet God one day. &nbsp;The question is whether we meet Him as Judge or as Father."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"And...?" I asked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Well, I'll meet Him as my Father." &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"What makes you think that?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Well, Jesus died on the cross for my sins, so if I obey Him for the rest of my life He'll let me go to Heaven."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"You're half right" I said. &nbsp;"Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins because you never could obey Him. &nbsp;Even now you can't obey Him perfectly."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That proceeded into an opportunity to clarify the gospel message for her. &nbsp;The fact that Jesus paid it all, that we obey now not in order to earn God's favour, but because we love Him. &nbsp;We only had a few minutes, but God continues to grant opportunities. &nbsp;If only I would now open my eyes to see all the opportunities He lays before me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-2276700779830914852015-12-03T07:10:00.001-06:002015-12-03T07:10:58.516-06:00Thapelo Kananelo Motsetse<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">We met Thapelo Motsetse last March.&nbsp; Actually, Dylan met Thapelo and introduced him to us.&nbsp; Dylan had a developing passion for basketball, and since our house is next door to the only school with a decent court here in town, it’s an ideal place to hone one’s skills.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIH0-YnlwJ0/VmA-GQQE0kI/AAAAAAAACS0/i39Eo_6YsY8/s1600/11923260_504282616413748_4938984456776985564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIH0-YnlwJ0/VmA-GQQE0kI/AAAAAAAACS0/i39Eo_6YsY8/s320/11923260_504282616413748_4938984456776985564_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Thapelo was from another town.&nbsp; He had moved here to work as a public defender.&nbsp; Having just graduated from law school, Thapelo was studying for the bar exam while serving with Legal Aid.&nbsp; His contract was scheduled to keep him here through June 2016. &nbsp;He was at the school shooting hoops and the rest, as they say, is history...</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">There was an instant bond between Thapelo, Dylan and my brother Caleb.&nbsp; I won’t lie, I felt it too.&nbsp; Here was a young man with an infections personality, a contagious smile and an energy for life.&nbsp; Qualities that are in short supply around here sometimes.&nbsp; The first time I met Thapelo was on a rainy day, when a game of 2-on-2 broke out at the Welkom High courts.&nbsp; Dylan and I played vs Thapelo and Caleb.&nbsp; At first it was just a couple sprinkles, but then it turned into an outright downpour.&nbsp; Puddles started to appear on the court.&nbsp; But the rain couldn’t stop us, it could only hope to contain us. I don’t want to say who won, but let’s just say this old man felt pretty good that afternoon.&nbsp; But what really stood out to me was the character of this young man.&nbsp; No foul language, respectful of the two young women who were also at the court, a strong and confident approach to the game.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHPDRxjJQ4/VmAtieV0FkI/AAAAAAAACR0/t6h3VbGA1ds/s1600/IMG_1889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHPDRxjJQ4/VmAtieV0FkI/AAAAAAAACR0/t6h3VbGA1ds/s200/IMG_1889.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">From that day our relationship only grew.&nbsp; Thapelo became friends with Dylan, Tolu, Teboho, Cathy, Neo, Paddy.&nbsp; He would join us every Thursday night for supper.&nbsp; Many Saturdays he would pop in for awhile after some hoops with the guys.&nbsp; He began attending church and Bible studies with us.&nbsp; On at least a couple occasions I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him and he professed agreement and joined in with spiritual discussions.&nbsp; His What’s App profile often quoted Scriptures or included prayers of thanksgiving for God’s grace.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">You can tell something about a person by the way they relate to authority and to their peers.&nbsp; But you can tell even more by how they relate to those “beneath” them.&nbsp; Thapelo treated our children with such a wonderful affection, putting up with their nagging and often joining in their antics.&nbsp; As a public defender, he would refuse to take cases of domestic abuse. &nbsp;He couldn't stand the thought of defending someone who would beat their wife, girlfriend or child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5l-_dK-fyg/VmAtyhmNBAI/AAAAAAAACSM/Nwq2_Rpj-go/s1600/Chicken%2BChase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5l-_dK-fyg/VmAtyhmNBAI/AAAAAAAACSM/Nwq2_Rpj-go/s320/Chicken%2BChase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">Always quick-witted, you had to watch what you said around him because he could make you look foolish fast...but always in an endearing and enjoyable way.&nbsp; He used to mimic Tolu’s Nigerian accent in a way that no matter how West African Tolu is, you could still see him blushing!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79TqdOMEv8o/VmAtoMoxo7I/AAAAAAAACR8/Rjad2B8My98/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79TqdOMEv8o/VmAtoMoxo7I/AAAAAAAACR8/Rjad2B8My98/s200/IMG_1904.jpg" width="200" /></a>A strong competitor, we played lots of games.&nbsp; One of the most enjoyable memories I’ll ever have is when a game of touch rugby broke out at the Cheetah’s stadium in Bloemfontein.&nbsp; We had taken some of the guys down to watch a professional rugby match.&nbsp; After the game was over the boys went down to the field and started fooling around.&nbsp; Some prep school kids then challenged our guys to a game of touch rugby and it was on!&nbsp; Thapelo was one of those gifted athletes that moved like a cat.&nbsp; Since Caleb, Tolu and I had never played before, it was a learning experience for us.&nbsp; But we won that night and rode off into the sunset as pick-up, touch rugby champs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_S2fNnyd8k/VmAt6wDv-5I/AAAAAAAACSU/BlMs23t0WMQ/s1600/Rugby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_S2fNnyd8k/VmAt6wDv-5I/AAAAAAAACSU/BlMs23t0WMQ/s400/Rugby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">Thapelo took the bar exam in August.&nbsp; He passed some sections, had to take re-examinations on others.&nbsp; Just last week he sent me a message that he had passed one of those re-exams.&nbsp; Only one left in February and he would finally get his license to practice law.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">This past Sunday night Dylan received a text message from one of his friends.&nbsp; Thapelo had been visiting his mother over the weekend.&nbsp; On his return trip he was killed in a car accident.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">We were shocked!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">Of course, we’ve all experienced a death of someone close.&nbsp; But usually it’s due to prolonged illness or old age.&nbsp; It’s something that can be anticipated.&nbsp; This was a young man full of life - a life filled with potential, hopes and dreams.&nbsp; He had just bought his mother a car, even though he didn’t own one himself.&nbsp; He had plans of starting his own law firm (aptly named Not Guilty, Inc.).</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io9kIV_xwj0/VmA-FQ2dn0I/AAAAAAAACSs/SI0DXH-BprE/s1600/11905782_503699709805372_3874318778199116873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-io9kIV_xwj0/VmA-FQ2dn0I/AAAAAAAACSs/SI0DXH-BprE/s200/11905782_503699709805372_3874318778199116873_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>We still haven’t learned the details of the accident.&nbsp; But yesterday there was a memorial service for him here in town (he’ll be laid to rest this Saturday in his hometown of&nbsp;Clocolan). The service was well attended, by both black and white people. &nbsp;His colleagues, magistrates, friends and even the chief prosecutor spoke highly of his character. &nbsp;The magistrate whose court he was assigned to was clearly struggling emotionally, speaking of how dear Thapelo had become to her. &nbsp;The final eulogy was given by the woman in charge of the Welkom Justice Centre. &nbsp;She struggled through her speech, often moved to tears (something I can empathise with). &nbsp;She spoke of how Thapelo had become a son to her. &nbsp;Their year-end awards are coming up. &nbsp;She opened a letter and announced that Thapelo would have won the award as the best defence attorney. &nbsp;She then produced the trophy that already had his named engraved on it. &nbsp;Then she read the speech she had already written about him to present the award. &nbsp;I watched the look on his mother's face as this all took place and it crushed me.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPYmgMCVXSI/VmAtpGeroOI/AAAAAAAACSA/6SuornSLCvI/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPYmgMCVXSI/VmAtpGeroOI/AAAAAAAACSA/6SuornSLCvI/s200/IMG_1908.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">We've been back in South Africa about 3 weeks. &nbsp;In that time we had both tried to arrange times to see each other, but for one reason or another just hadn't been able to align schedules. &nbsp;One day I was in another discipleship meeting. &nbsp;One weekend he was out of town to visit his mother, another time at a session to help prepare him for his bar re-exams. &nbsp;Our last memory of Thapelo was our last Sunday before furlough in the States. &nbsp;July 19. &nbsp;I had just finished preaching. &nbsp;We needed to spend the afternoon packing, arranging things here at the house and getting ready to be away for 3 months. &nbsp;Thapelo comes to me after the service and greets me. &nbsp;Then he just kind of stands there. &nbsp;Thapelo was extremely well-mannered, so this seemed out of place. &nbsp;I asked what he was doing that afternoon. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">He said "Nothing." &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">Then he asked me what we were doing. &nbsp;I said "Packing... (awkward pause) ...want to come over for lunch?"</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">"Yeah," he said, as he uncorked that smile.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">"<i>What is Amber going to say?</i>" I remember thinking to myself. &nbsp;We've got so much to do and I've just invited people over for lunch. &nbsp;But my awesome wife didn't even bat an eyelash. &nbsp;So, we spent the afternoon trying to multi-task, visiting with the guys and getting stuff done. &nbsp;But, man, am I glad we did!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBH1bvlkg-k/VmA-H0rcz8I/AAAAAAAACS8/pxWkRLoyf-0/s1600/12032274_514829545359055_23353005911038693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBH1bvlkg-k/VmA-H0rcz8I/AAAAAAAACS8/pxWkRLoyf-0/s320/12032274_514829545359055_23353005911038693_n.jpg" width="222" /></a>We were so looking forward to reconnecting with everyone when we got back to South Africa. &nbsp;I especially looked forward to seeing Thapelo. &nbsp;I had started adapting a Bible study from Chuck DeCleene that I could go through with him. &nbsp;We had plans. &nbsp;But God had other plans.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">It hurts. &nbsp;I'm the missionary, but I find myself wishing I had done a better job. &nbsp;Dylan is hurting terribly. &nbsp;Amber and I are too. &nbsp;All three of us find ourselves thinking those thoughts that come when something like this happens - maybe it's a mistake. &nbsp;We'll get a message that it was somebody else. &nbsp;You see someone in town and think it's him. &nbsp;You wonder why a young man with such a high character, intelligence, potential and spiritual sensitivity would be taken. &nbsp;There's so many that don't deserve another breath. &nbsp;Why Thapelo?</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">But that's the point, isn't it? &nbsp;We stand in judgement of the murderers, rapists, molesters. &nbsp;There's no shortage of those here. &nbsp;In the 3 weeks we've been back we know of 4 different break-ins. &nbsp;One was a simple smash-and-grab. &nbsp;Two included children being held at gunpoint or knifepoint while the intruders robbed the house. &nbsp;One woman was raped twice and her son stabbed. &nbsp;And deep down inside, we all know that justice must be served, that these people deserve to be punished.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">But then I read Romans 2 and realise that all of us stand guilty before God. &nbsp;The very fact that we think someone else deserves judgement proves that we also deserve judgement ourselves. &nbsp;Yet, we see the beauty of God's justice - that the mercy of God is meant to lead us to repentance (Rom 2:4). &nbsp;I can't answer the question as to why God took Thapelo now. &nbsp;But I know that God is good. &nbsp;I know that God is wise. &nbsp;I know that God is powerful. &nbsp;And so I trust God.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">And I realise that I don't deserve that next breath any more than the murderer, rapist or molester. &nbsp;So why do I get it? &nbsp;Because God is gracious. &nbsp;He gave His own Son to take the wrath against sin, so that I could be clothed with His righteousness. &nbsp;And while part of me is jealous that I don't get to be with Jesus now, I also know that each day is a gift...not a gift for me to spend for myself, but for my Lord. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;">Let us give Him thanks be responding in obedience to His commission, and let us honour our fellow man by loving them enough to speak to them of our great hope!</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKcpbfMvWDo/VmA-D8nbH4I/AAAAAAAACSk/KYFEzkORZGk/s1600/11407248_474161602759183_514731516970615089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKcpbfMvWDo/VmA-D8nbH4I/AAAAAAAACSk/KYFEzkORZGk/s400/11407248_474161602759183_514731516970615089_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-78513253294863851902015-11-26T03:11:00.001-06:002015-11-26T03:11:47.035-06:00The Friendly Tortoise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past Saturday when the neighbourhood kids were at our house playing, Khanye comes to the window and shouts "Uncle Louie, the Tortoise won't leave us alone!" &nbsp;That's right. &nbsp;Mr. T was so lonely these past several months that he now has to be in the centre of all the activity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pNWa7T62ws/VlbLekKmnyI/AAAAAAAACRk/D3GTEl7Bs-M/s1600/IMG_1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pNWa7T62ws/VlbLekKmnyI/AAAAAAAACRk/D3GTEl7Bs-M/s400/IMG_1857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Note this picture above. &nbsp;Mr. T insisted on joining us all for Bible Study. &nbsp;#thistortoiseneedsafriend (did I use that # correctly?).<div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-19891955704353406392015-11-22T09:02:00.000-06:002015-11-22T09:03:13.594-06:00T-Shirts for the Guys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Had the opportunity to buy a couple gifts for some of the guys when we were back in the States. &nbsp;Of course, I had to get them shirts that fit the description:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAh9_vlVYNo/VlHYgTmR-6I/AAAAAAAACRM/u-6g6EWaS7k/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAh9_vlVYNo/VlHYgTmR-6I/AAAAAAAACRM/u-6g6EWaS7k/s320/IMG_1858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrt6qAidKh0/VlHYnH-liII/AAAAAAAACRU/H8MuAqty1fw/s1600/IMG_1860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrt6qAidKh0/VlHYnH-liII/AAAAAAAACRU/H8MuAqty1fw/s320/IMG_1860.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so proud of myself.</div><span id="goog_248457390"></span><span id="goog_248457391"></span><br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-40498411356387279162015-10-28T11:39:00.001-05:002015-10-28T11:39:53.935-05:00God's Protection...Again<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Recently we visited Amber's side of the family. &nbsp;Her grandma lives in a city about halfway between Amber's parents and my parents (where we've been staying the past couple weeks). &nbsp;So her grandma's house is the perfect place to gather. &nbsp;Also, her grandma turns 90 this year and still mows her own lawn, works the soil in her garden and gets on the floor to play with our kids. &nbsp;Pretty amazing family, those Bradburns!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVFSZ98kM-4/VjD4QwPkiwI/AAAAAAAACQ0/28ew6I1bdKA/s1600/11214063_10153683131285682_270781044580144777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVFSZ98kM-4/VjD4QwPkiwI/AAAAAAAACQ0/28ew6I1bdKA/s320/11214063_10153683131285682_270781044580144777_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmPxne0qvHE/VjD4SK0k8AI/AAAAAAAACQ8/ZdkDxqEgyts/s1600/12193522_10153683131170682_5619347046845959259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmPxne0qvHE/VjD4SK0k8AI/AAAAAAAACQ8/ZdkDxqEgyts/s320/12193522_10153683131170682_5619347046845959259_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Overall, it was a pretty good weekend...except for the shooting and the car crash.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">We got there on a Thursday night, ate supper, and then somehow a&nbsp;wrestling match broke out between my sons and me. &nbsp;These matches tend to get a little loud as my children beg for mercy. &nbsp;Loud enough, apparently, to drown out the sound of several gunshots and a car accident.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">About 2 hours after we arrived someone noticed the street in front of Grandma's house was filling with police cars, lights flashing. &nbsp;Turns out there had been a shooting and car accident about 150 feet from where we were. &nbsp;Grandpa Tom went out to get the four-one-one on the situation. &nbsp;Early reports ranged from an episode of road rage to a drug deal gone bad. &nbsp;Eventually we got the full story from the only eye witness - a woman who lives nearby.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">So there was this young guy. We'll call him Guy. His brother had allegedly gotten into some hefty drug debt with a drug ring. Three guys show up at his house to get the brother but brother isn't home, so they kidnap Guy instead. Here's where the eyewitness gets involved. She's just said goodbye to some visitors in the driveway and sees this vehicle driving fast and recklessly down the road. Suddenly she sees a flash and hears a bang and the car swerves off the road and hits the fire hydrant, knocking it about 20 feet down the yard. &nbsp;The car then proceeds to drive over the hydrant and puncture something that starts leaking from the car. She thinks they blew a tire, so goes running over toward the car but couldn't see it.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Her yard is on the south of Amber's grandma. North of us is an empty lot, with a row of trees between us and the lot. The car had swerved off the road, knocked the hydrant off and 20 feet away, swerved back onto the road and around Grandma's house, then into the empty lot where it finally came to rest.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">As the witness is running toward it to see if she can help she sees Guy running toward her. He stops and is waving this gun around saying "I just shot 3 guys in the head. They're trying to kill me!" She gets him to put the gun down and they step behind a fence. He fills in the details that they had allegedly kidnapped him to drive him around to get money from friends and family to pay the debt. &nbsp;When they were unsuccessful they were going to take him out of town to do...whatever. &nbsp;He said they were trying to put a bag over his head when the incident&nbsp;occurred &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">The witness gets someone to call the police, then she steps back out to go see the car and sees a man walking toward them. She asks if he's one of the bad guys and Guy says no. So the new man sees the neighbor lady and his look confirms that what was in the car was not good. About that time the police arrive and she comes out to speak to them. It had been reported as a car accident and she tells them it was a shooting. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">They put her in the back of a cop car and she's stuck there for 30 minutes while they investigate the scene.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">She said she banged on the window the whole time and finally someone noticed, came over and said "we'll be right with you" and walked away for another 15 minutes. All this time her family and friends have no idea where she is or what's really going on. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">During this time Guy is still hiding behind the fence, but he eventually comes out and turns himself in.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">He is taken into custody. &nbsp;One of the men had died before the police arrived, two survived and were taken to the hospital in critical condition. &nbsp;Of course, these details came from a witness who heard it from the alleged shooter, so the veracity of&nbsp;these statements remains to be determined in a court of law.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">But what we want to praise God for is how He protected us in this whole situation. &nbsp;Had the car continued on it's&nbsp;original trajectory after it first left the road it would have crashed in Grandma's yard, possibly right into the side of the house where I was playing on the floor with two little boys...not to mention there was at least one gun discharged several times in close proximity. &nbsp;Instead, it completely missed her entire property, missed two electric poles by inches (which would have made for a dark and scary night, considering we didn't yet know where the shooter was and if there was more than one), and then came to rest in an empty lot next door behind the&nbsp;tree line.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1FJVzhynfg/VjD4DRJJHxI/AAAAAAAACQs/AWZFzevVkZw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-28%2Bat%2B10.42.27%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1FJVzhynfg/VjD4DRJJHxI/AAAAAAAACQs/AWZFzevVkZw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-28%2Bat%2B10.42.27%2BAM.png" width="336" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Of course, the&nbsp;tragedy is that at least one soul entered eternity, most likely unrepentant and separated from his Creator. &nbsp;Of all the things that rocked us the most, the fact that life is spent on such worthless pursuits as money, power and drugs, only to end with such violent finality should cause us all to pause and evaluate what we love. &nbsp;And more&nbsp;poignantly, how what we love affects how we as believers proclaim the message we <i>claim</i> to believe!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i>"The fool has said in his heart 'There is no God!' &nbsp;They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, there is no one who does good." Psalm 14:1 &nbsp;</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">That's all of us, by the way. &nbsp;Romans 3:10 makes it clear that we are all evil. &nbsp;We like to point the finger at specific sins - adultery, murder, rape, drugs, violence. &nbsp;But Jesus makes in clear in Matthew 5 that according to the laws of His kingdom, we're all guilty!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i>"Fools will die because they refuse to listen; they will be&nbsp;destroyed because they do not care." &nbsp;Proverbs 1:32</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">There are&nbsp;consequences. &nbsp;When we reject God to pursue ourselves, we face the dire end of the path we choose.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i>"Remember this: whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins." &nbsp;James 5:20</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">What are you doing to save a sinner? &nbsp;How you spend your money shows where your heart is. &nbsp;How you spend your time shows where your heart is. &nbsp;Is this an urgent matter for you?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-59348326088201018182015-10-12T16:05:00.000-05:002015-10-12T21:14:05.845-05:00Snakebite!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aM367IS71lY/VhwafZIvNVI/AAAAAAAACQA/Qbms_s2qm6o/s1600/nrcs142p2_000251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aM367IS71lY/VhwafZIvNVI/AAAAAAAACQA/Qbms_s2qm6o/s200/nrcs142p2_000251.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sometimes missionaries get bitten by snakes.&nbsp; But usually you’d think it would happen in some deep, dark jungle.&nbsp; Not the Oklahoma panhandle.&nbsp; Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">We had the privilege of spending several weeks in SE Colorado with Amber’s family.&nbsp; The thing I most look forward to when visiting out west is being fed by Amber’s aunts.&nbsp; Usually it’s a nice beef brisket, but this time Aunt Joyce decided to make some baby back ribs.&nbsp; She spent like two days getting it all flavored properly.&nbsp; I spent like two weeks looking forward to the feast. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pmMZrNL_ao/VhwdrJZYGjI/AAAAAAAACQU/97htM1v8s-w/s1600/Moses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pmMZrNL_ao/VhwdrJZYGjI/AAAAAAAACQU/97htM1v8s-w/s200/Moses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Uncle Paul was wanting to get some old, broken fence posts pulled out on the ranch.&nbsp; I hopped in the pickup after both our wives made us promise to be back by 1:00 sharp for lunch.&nbsp; We did a few small jobs and then started to pull the posts.&nbsp; Uncle Paul was running the bucket on the tractor, as I walked the old fencerow as a spotter.&nbsp; Once we found a post I’d throw a chain around it and then Paul would pull it out.&nbsp; He’d warned me to watch out for snakes, a warning that I didn’t take lightly due to my intense theological training and innate fear of animals without legs.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">We got to a particular section of the fencerow covered in some taller weeds.&nbsp; It was there that the attack happened.&nbsp; Ol’ Mo had warned me that August is the most dangerous season for rattlers, because they're shedding their skin and don’t see well to rattle.&nbsp; Well, turns out he was right.&nbsp; Rattlesnake fangs are hooked and when they strike they open their mouth wide, sink their fangs into soft tissue and pull back.&nbsp; It’s on the backward pull that they inject their venom. By God’s grace, when the snake struck at me my hand was bent and it’s fang hit me square on the knuckle.&nbsp; That prevented it from sinking into any soft tissue.&nbsp; There was a pliers on the ground and we found a pool of venom on the pliers head.</div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gr_NvvDfvUs/VhwWgrIlxfI/AAAAAAAACP0/ZVgjcJ4nx3s/s1600/Strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gr_NvvDfvUs/VhwWgrIlxfI/AAAAAAAACP0/ZVgjcJ4nx3s/s200/Strike.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">I knew right away I’d been hit, so I pulled my glove off and found a spot of blood on my right index knuckle.&nbsp; I bled it as much as I could and then sucked on it - which you’re not supposed to do because the mouth is some of the most absorbent tissue in the body.&nbsp; Since we saw the venom on the pliers and since my hand didn’t start swelling, it seemed safe to keep working.&nbsp; After about an hour my finger did start to stiffen a little bit, kind of like when you jam your finger.&nbsp; Not wanting to lose my hand, we decided to go to the hospital.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">On the way, we noticed the clock was creeping very close to that promised 1:00 hour.&nbsp; Both Uncle Paul and I were more afraid to call our wives than we were of the snakebite itself.&nbsp; Paul called Aunt Joyce and I asked that they not say anything to Amber until we’d seen the doctor and had some information to share.&nbsp; Well, Aunt Joyce kind of sucked in her breath when Uncle Paul told her what had happened.&nbsp; Amber, being prone to much eavesdropping as well as strong doses of pessimism, figured something was wrong and would not be dissuaded by Joyce’s calm demeanor.&nbsp; When Paul called back 15 minutes later and Joyce left the room, she was certain something was up.&nbsp; She heard Joyce say “Bruce isn't there?” When Aunt Kaye confirmed that Bruce is indeed one of the doctors in Boise City, Amber pressed for more information.&nbsp; That’s when Aunt Joyce said “Your husband was bitten by a snake.”&nbsp; To which Amber responded “Oh, good.&nbsp; I’m so relieved.”&nbsp; I’m not even making that up.&nbsp; Apparently she thought I’d been cut in half, or been crushed, or had my stunning good looks marred in some irreparable way…you know, something truly terrible.&nbsp; A snakebite is very low on Amber’s extensive list of anxieties for her husband’s welfare.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOfZVMbbalg/VhwdHC8m9pI/AAAAAAAACQM/hW2J1DrOgeQ/s1600/Rattlesnake_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOfZVMbbalg/VhwdHC8m9pI/AAAAAAAACQM/hW2J1DrOgeQ/s200/Rattlesnake_1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Meanwhile, back on the ranch, I wasn’t too concerned myself.&nbsp; Uncle Paul?&nbsp; Well, he was cool, calm and collected and I’m generally not given to panic.&nbsp; I figured “Hey, it’s rattlesnake country.&nbsp; This kind of stuff happens all the time.&nbsp; Everyone knows what to do.”</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Well, when we arrived at the hospital we tried to avoid the large E.R. fees by seeing a doctor directly.&nbsp; But the receptionist would have none of it.&nbsp; I guess hospital policy dictates that snakebites are emergencies and must be handled in the room designated for such.&nbsp; They started taking my vital signs and asking me all sorts of questions.&nbsp; Every nurse had a good laugh when they heard I was from Africa and came to Oklahoma to be bitten by a snake.&nbsp; Eventually the doctor arrived and said that they have one vial of antivenin on hand.&nbsp; But before doing anything he had to call poison control for instruction.&nbsp; Turns out, snakebites are so rare that even a doctor who’s been practicing for almost 40 years needed to brush up on his protocol.&nbsp; Leave it to this tenderfoot to be the one who helps them further their education on the subject.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoZGulBuP9I/VhwemRr7oqI/AAAAAAAACQc/TGDUQxSZ4JA/s1600/Hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoZGulBuP9I/VhwemRr7oqI/AAAAAAAACQc/TGDUQxSZ4JA/s320/Hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Ultimately, while it may have been foolish to continue working out on the ranch for awhile, it ended up saving us lots of money.&nbsp; If we had gone in directly they would have injected the antivenin, put me on a helicopter and airlifted me to Lubbock.&nbsp; The vial alone would have been $5k plus the helicopter and hospital fees.&nbsp; As it was, since it had been so long and there was such a small reaction, Poison Control instructed the hospital to monitor my vital signs for 6 hours and then discharge me if it didn’t become more serious.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">So, I ended up getting the most expensive afternoon nap of my life.&nbsp; Aunt Joyce sent in a plate of ribs and fixin’s, I watched Netflix in a nice leather recliner and caught some shut-eye.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad-H3wnS6Wc" target="_blank">And that’s how I found out that "Apparently, I’m immune to venom.</a>"<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-24163455173167119542014-12-27T08:30:00.000-06:002014-12-27T08:30:57.329-06:00Camp Video: Rain Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwl_0zPiSmEPJQOjKiJyQ9JEvbXNzBa7RtsLQ2RSBRtVrS7m1jhfINp2n2Hc6PzhNoqKv0Z-e4zXST7fbdDKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-71824455015978984002014-12-27T07:28:00.000-06:002014-12-27T07:28:35.966-06:00Camp Video: Soccer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnPKa0EyqSmGkFHu9osRfE0th_ewl2LamdTyuax9GO7XJ_2UcoyDa3Sa-WSDI0MOzCE9aEoL6N0YZ2Pi8mUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-40740104324708837122014-12-27T05:01:00.000-06:002014-12-27T05:01:56.622-06:00Camp Video: Name That Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFeKKKv54sId5prH8EK1NsyaRxzz96xmTveSQG9PUBMffq6mSfGKG8tr-EB_sGdPk9a3tRWn6rRiLEUkuJ3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-29166084565088159302014-12-22T11:46:00.000-06:002014-12-22T11:46:37.799-06:00The Christmas Story...according to Drake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCVmEkA7fA7tWfP5azgYEqMYYu_tYiNKs1PJoHFtHIu3i_d-_j2z83WYMLdeZokM1VmdlAqeh2DvNmoyNiMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-19314698774275181002014-10-19T14:08:00.000-05:002014-10-19T14:08:17.605-05:00Gospel Opportunity - Please Pray<i>We have had the privilege of meeting a young man that worked at one of the local businesses. &nbsp;He's no longer in town, but I send out daily encouragements from Scripture. &nbsp;Yesterday he responded to one of the Scriptures with a question. &nbsp;This prompted a great discussion over What's App. &nbsp;Please be in prayer for this young man as he evaluates his faith and his relationship with God!</i><br /><b><br /></b><b>J:</b> But how sure can I be that Jesus really exist?<br /><br /><b>Louis</b>: Great question!<br /><b>L</b>: The fact that there was a historical Jesus is almost completely without dispute, except by the most unreasoning critics of Christianity. The fact that His life and death are without reasonable disagreement. That settled, what is then called into question is His resurrection. In a court of law, 100% proof is never required. What is required is proof beyond "a reasonable doubt." I believe his resurrection can be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt. A good book on this subject is by J. Warner Wallace, a former Cold Case detective. The book is titled "Cold Case Christianity."<br />2014/10/18 1:13:13 PM: Louis O'Tool: Hopefully this is helpful. I'd love to discuss this further sometime! How's Navy training?<br /><br /><b>J</b>: I grew up in a church tho, I'm supposed to know this, &nbsp;guess that makes me that small boy always playing and never pays attention.. &nbsp;Its goin fine, I actually believed that it would be much harder than it is.. I'm enjoying it<br /><br /><b>L</b>: Glad to hear you're well. What you described about your church experience is really not all that surprising, unfortunately. This is a shared experience by people young and old the world over. Regrettably, our churches are doing a very poor job preparing Jesus-followers to live in our "post-modern" society. That's why your question about Jesus' authenticity is such a good one. Many people drop Jesus and run at the first obstacle to their faith. So here are some questions to ask yourself (and research from credible sources, if necessary):<br />1. Was Jesus a true historical figure?<br />2. If yes, who was He? He claimed to be God, so that leaves us with 3 options: Either He was a complete liar, or He was a deranged lunatic, or He was (is) in fact Lord.<br />3. Did He really rise from the dead? People don't do that. With every advance in medicine and technology we'be been able to enhance and prolong life, but never create it. Death is the one thing that every man, woman and child faces. Our mortality is an unescapable fact. But according to Christian teachings, Jesus overcame death. If you read 1 Corinthians 15 you'll see that Paul teaches He not only overcame it, but has power over it and will one day eliminate it for all. If Jesus resurrection is true, everything changes. So any well-reasoning adult must, I repeat MUST, decide what they believe to be the truth about His resurrection.<br />That's where I'd encourage you to do some research and thinking. Consider these points:<br />-If Jesus' resurrection was a sham perpetrated by His followers, why did they all give their lives, and in fact DIE for what they would have known to be a lie?<br />-How has Christianity survived and grown as it has if Jesus was not, in fact, Lord of All, as He claimed to be? One of His earliest opponents, Gamaliel, spoke on this very topic, recorded in Acts 5:33-39<br />-Ancient law required at least 2 witnesses to demonstrate the veracity of an eyewitnesses event. Jesus, in His resurrected body, was seen by over 500. This would provide ample evidence in any court of law.<br />A good article online is found at <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection">www.desiringgod.org/articles/historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection</a><br />Hope God strengthens your faith and that you come to know Him in the most intimate way possible! Remember John 17:3 "This is eternal life - that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent."<br />1 John 5:12 "Whoever has the Son has life. But whoever does not have the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."<br /><br /><b>J</b>: Are you guys Jehova's?<br /><br /><b>L</b>: I assume you mean Jehovah's Witnesses. No way!!! JW's believe Jesus is an angel, not God. No doubt in Scripture that Jesus is God!<br /><br /><b>J</b>: Good. I want to have a braai some day with you louis, I want to know all about the bible, &nbsp;want to start all over, &nbsp;or is it to late to start over?<br /><br /><b>L</b>: Id love that! Let me know next time youre in town. Or maybe we'll make it to Cape Town;-) Never too late to start over! Read Luke 18:9-14. The reason the whole Bible was written is not to give us a list of Do's &amp; Don't that will make God happy. The Bible was written to show us what God's character is...perfection. And since God is perfect, He also requires perfection from us. But we can't do it, can we? I mean, look at just the 10 Commandments. How many have you broken? I know I've shattered all 10...let alone just one! And so I stand guilty before God and deserve His judgement. So do you. So does everyone. But here's the beauty of God's Word. Not only does He show us He requires perfection, He sent His own Son to live the perfect life on our behalf. But we killed Him, right? That was part of God's divine plan. See, Romans 6:23 tells us that death is the penalty for sin. And when Jesus died, He took the penalty I deserved on Himself. God poured out His anger against my sin on His own Son. Jesus took my place. But He didn't stay dead because Death had no power over Him. The power of death is sin, and since He hasn't sinned the grave couldn't hold Him. He rose the third day with power over sin and death. And since the price had been paid He offers His infinite righteousness to me. To you. To all mankind. Since we have sinned we have no righteousness of our own. But when we recognize our sinfulness, our rightful destiny to suffer the wrath of God for eternity, and we beg God for mercy a divine transaction takes place. God accepts the full payment of His Son and transfers Jesus righteousness to our account. That's what the word "justified" means. That's what Luke 18 is referring to.<br />Do you recognize that you are a sinner?<br />Do you see that God would be entirely just sending you to Hell for eternity?<br />Do you see that you can't earn His favor through your own good works?<br />Then call out to Jesus. Ask God for mercy. He'll give it every time. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. He'll make you new, give you that new start!!! Your sins will be gone. You'll never have to face God as Judge, only as Father (Romans 8:1)!!!<br /><br /><b>J:&nbsp;</b>Doesn't God get tired of forgiving your sins everyday?<br /><br /><b>L</b>: God is an infinite God. Jesus righteousness is infinite. When He died He paid the penalty of all sin, for all time. Once For All! When Jesus died all my sins were still in the future because I hadn't been born yet. So when I repent of my sins He forgives them all on the basis of His Son's payment.<br /><b>L</b>: That's not to say we now have a license to sin. On the contrary. When Jesus makes us new He also empowers us to live a new life. Paul describes this in Galatians 2:20. Not that I'm now sinless. But I'm forgiven. The joys that sin used to offer don't seem so attractive anymore. Because the beauty of Jesus is more beautiful than my sin.<br /><b>L</b>: "All who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." Romans 8:14<br />Not only does He save us, He empowers us to live a new life.<br /><br /><b>J</b>: So that means I can do anything and Jesus wil forgive me?<br /><br /><b>L</b>: If you're sincere in repentance.<br /><br /><b>J</b>: Yes but see what does that mean? &nbsp;I'm sorry my english is poor<br /><br /><b>L</b>: Sorry. Repentance means a complete change of mind. As in, I used to love _____ (power, money, sex, etc...), now I've found a greater love. What was once attractive is less attractive because my heart has been captured by a greater beauty. Think of it this way: kids love hot dogs, but once you taste a good steak fillet the hot dogs don't taste as good anymore. I used to love my sin because of the glory I thought it offered. Now I love Jesus because His glory is greater than what sin promises but doesn't deliver.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-85280707947380469662014-09-22T13:17:00.002-05:002014-09-22T13:17:58.633-05:00Pot Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn-PjsbvABI/VCBmyS_M_lI/AAAAAAAACLg/2ikO83kvXto/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bn-PjsbvABI/VCBmyS_M_lI/AAAAAAAACLg/2ikO83kvXto/s1600/photo.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">American's are not allowed to complain about potholes. &nbsp;One morning before prayer we were standing by the gate watching water gush out of this water main break. &nbsp;Suddenly this car comes along and decides to drive through the water, not around it. &nbsp;We had to "<i>help</i>" push it out - I say "<i>help</i>" because a guy with a diesel pickup came along and used a tow rope to drag it backwards out of the hole. &nbsp;We were just there to get our shoes wet and <i>look</i> useful. &nbsp;Afterward we found a stick to put in the hole as warning to other motorists. &nbsp;The hole was over a meter deep! &nbsp;So no more complaining about roads in the States!</div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-70196761377681418912014-08-02T14:54:00.000-05:002014-08-02T14:54:55.188-05:00Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOkoZIpHwP1c0dJosuzyYfXvGEdNkR333VGcIR_tZs_meWIdQ0UTOwx_AymiT6vtJ3lTyoSpLwDDGF-Jp9eA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-73000924081010844432014-07-31T14:19:00.000-05:002014-07-31T14:19:15.898-05:00Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynNmC0uRp5oTyCA46vpAbDlX0D9JP8r-_iORIe-zAWZSVnAFTf5IY5zKWl0Egd4DpfTqsv_sT61C4EjUZEQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058165831606033860.post-68378941687817752712014-05-01T09:32:00.002-05:002014-05-01T12:42:54.089-05:00TestimonyI have to take a minute to tell you what God has did for us recently!<br /><br />We first moved to South Africa in 2008. &nbsp;Many who have moved know that, despite your greatest intentions to pack and move in a dignified, organized and structured manner, you reach that certain point where you're just throwing things in boxes. &nbsp;When you're moving to another continent, not knowing exactly what you'll need, that tends to exacerbate the difficulty.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Quez9jhaNbk/U2JY6C-pLaI/AAAAAAAACKU/_UJ0Rt_HSro/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Quez9jhaNbk/U2JY6C-pLaI/AAAAAAAACKU/_UJ0Rt_HSro/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LDS Authorized KJV Bible</td></tr></tbody></table>Well, here we are, over 6 years and 4 moves later, and we're still trying to recover. &nbsp;It's not that we haven't gone through some of those boxes, but since our arrival in 2008 things have been so busy that when we did "reorganize" there was a greater emphasis on the "re" and less so on the "organize." &nbsp;Our goal, as time has permitted over the last several weeks is to determine what, if anything that we own is really unnecessary at this stage of our life. &nbsp;We've found lots of things, most notably baby, infant and toddler items. &nbsp;While we've desired to have more children God hasn't chosen to increase our family in 5 years so we decided that it is past time to make sure someone else gets to use the things He so graciously blessed us with when Meredith and Drake were small. &nbsp;But I digress. &nbsp;The point is, we've streamlined.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWXuPAK0b9E/U2JZPqYnVvI/AAAAAAAACK8/D90xUhWqImE/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWXuPAK0b9E/U2JZPqYnVvI/AAAAAAAACK8/D90xUhWqImE/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber with some of the team. &nbsp;Utah is B-E-Autiful!</td></tr></tbody></table>But here's where it gets good. &nbsp;I was going through a box of old photos and found several items of interest. &nbsp;In 2003, less than a year after getting married, Amber and I took a trip to Utah (photos from that trip throughout this post). &nbsp;While there we served with Chip and Jamie Thompson at a local outreach. &nbsp;Part of that included training on the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. &nbsp;In this box I found the study guide, visual aids and an LDS authorized KJV Bible. &nbsp;I thought to myself "What a weird place for us to pack these things. &nbsp;Good thing I haven't needed them in the last 6 years. &nbsp;I should put them with my study materials." &nbsp;So I did.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcCQCpx8_lQ/U2JY7herRkI/AAAAAAAACKk/-whDw7k657w/s1600/IMG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcCQCpx8_lQ/U2JY7herRkI/AAAAAAAACKk/-whDw7k657w/s1600/IMG_0175.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If it looks like we're fighting, it's because we are. &nbsp;She beats me.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>That was last Friday. &nbsp;On Sunday, Gladston Jonas from our church (whom you may remember from <a href="http://otoolsa.blogspot.com/2013/03/gladston-mallory.html" target="_blank">this post</a>), told me that he had bumped into some American missionaries here. &nbsp;He was excited to meet some other Americans so he arranged with them to come over to his house sometime. &nbsp;He didn't know right away that they were LDS missionaries. &nbsp;When he told me about it I offered to come along, if he would have me. &nbsp;He agreed and so the next day we had a meeting scheduled at his place.<br /><br />We had the opportunity to meet Elder Holman from Reno, NV and Elder Ngundu from Zambia. &nbsp;God gave us the privilege to speak together for about 2 hours, sharing the grace of God that draws mankind to Himself. &nbsp;It was really cool because Gladston was able share his testimony, which if you remember, was somewhat humorous in the way he had been challenged in regard to his own righteousness. &nbsp;We were able to discuss the same passage, along with lots of others from the Bible, with both young men. &nbsp;Using the visual aids that I had found or more accurate, that God had led me to, we also discussed some of the LDS requirements for salvation from the Book of Mormon, Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrine and Covenants, etc...<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dM4WvijKNks/U2JY6hQ9V-I/AAAAAAAACKg/nYK8ewVPFeE/s1600/IMG_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dM4WvijKNks/U2JY6hQ9V-I/AAAAAAAACKg/nYK8ewVPFeE/s1600/IMG_0176.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Amber &amp; Louis at The Great Salt Lake</td></tr></tbody></table>The main point that stands out is that there is <i>Nothing</i>&nbsp;that we can do to earn God's love, favor or eternal life. &nbsp;Think about it for a moment. &nbsp;When I only do something for someone based on what I want to receive in return, or worse yet, because then they'll owe me something in return the word used to describe that isn't <b>Love</b>. &nbsp;The word to describe that kind of relationship is <b>Manipulation</b>. &nbsp;So, if I serve God hoping to earn His love, or so that He'll karmically owe me blessings like eternal life, then I'm trying to manipulate God. &nbsp;And if God can be manipulated by me He's no longer God...I am.<br /><br />Yet so many religions in this world are based in a mistaken belief that we can and must earn God's favor. &nbsp;The point of the Law is not that I can do well enough to satisfy God. &nbsp;The point is that I can't, never will! &nbsp;How can my sins be paid for, if one sin against the laws or character of an infinite God is worthy of infinite punishment? &nbsp;I need an infinite payment, right? &nbsp;Guess what? &nbsp;Nothing about me is infinite. &nbsp;Jesus is. &nbsp;By living a sinless life, yet paying the penalty reserved for those who have sinned, His infinite righteousness is available to me. &nbsp;God, as a righteous Judge, can accept His infinite payment for my infinite violation, transferring His righteousness to me as my sin was transferred to Him. &nbsp;This divine transaction is called Justification. &nbsp;Through this I now have peace with God, not because I have worked hard enough to earn His favor, but because Jesus - HIS OWN SON - is eternally worthy of God's favor. &nbsp;The words we use to describe this are Freedom, Grace, Mercy, Peace, Joy, <b>LOVE!</b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xzTgzQAW0/U2JZLhH2xAI/AAAAAAAACKw/obm6L5uYDgE/s1600/IMG_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xzTgzQAW0/U2JZLhH2xAI/AAAAAAAACKw/obm6L5uYDgE/s1600/IMG_0177.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Louis finds a buried knife wrapped in a <br />photo at old Indian cliff drawings. &nbsp;Probably <br />an ancient murder weapon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />During our conversation there was some back and forth, some good questions asked. &nbsp;It was clear that Elder Holman and Elder Ngundu were thoughtfully engaged with us. &nbsp;At the end Elder Holman bore his testimony to us. &nbsp;But it was clear that he understood a vast difference between the gift of salvation that we discussed from God's Word vs. the merit-based salvation taught by the LDS church and most major religions worldwide.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZuNlfBdxn8/U2JZNgSN63I/AAAAAAAACK4/flovZU8Z4O0/s1600/IMG_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZuNlfBdxn8/U2JZNgSN63I/AAAAAAAACK4/flovZU8Z4O0/s1600/IMG_0178.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LDS Temple in Manti, UT.</td></tr></tbody></table>We're hoping to have a couple more opportunities to meet with these guys, as it was such a privilege to sit down together and open God's Word. &nbsp;Really, anytime we can open Scripture together is a blessing not to be missed! &nbsp;In fact, after Elders Holman and Ngundu departed, the four of us left at Gladston's house were able to share another 45 minutes of Bible Study, looking at 2 Tim. 2:25 and John's warning in his second epistle. &nbsp;Earlier in the day I had a moment of repentance as I realized that going into the meeting I was more concerned with having the right answers than for the salvation of souls. &nbsp;And during this time one of the other guys prayed for forgiveness as well, recognizing that his attitude was to be proven correct rather than meekly instructing those whose beliefs are in opposition to their own eternal souls. &nbsp;Again, such a privilege to be unified with true believers and share in God's work like this!<br /><br />Continue to pray for Elders Ngundu and Holman! &nbsp;Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For good LDS resources go to:&nbsp;</i><a href="http://www.trigrace.org/Home.html" target="_blank">Tri-Grace Ministries website</a>&nbsp;<i>&nbsp;-- Special Thanks to Chip &amp; Jamie Thompson for their faithful work!</i></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">facebook</div>Louis O'Toolnoreply@blogger.com0